Surgical suturing device, method and tools used therewith

Abstract

A suture insertion device is provided for positioning a suture inside a layer of subcutaneous tissue from a remote access point. A tether insertion device is provided for positioning a tether within subcutaneous tissue for operating on the suture from a remote access point. The suture insertion device and the tether insertion device cooperate to form the suture into a tissue-supporting sling useful for performing various surgical procedures, including but not limited to plastic surgery such as mid face lifts, neck lifts, brow lifts, under eye lifts, breast lifts, and organ repositioning.

Description

RELATED CASES[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of prior, copending International Application No. PCT / US2008 / 009012, which designates the United States, having an International Filing Date of Jul. 25, 2008. International Application No. PCT / US2008 / 009012 claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 962,031, filed on Jul. 26, 2007. The subject matter of both International Application No. PCT / US2008 / 009012 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 962,031 is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to an apparatus capable of enabling a practitioner to thread a suture in a layer of subcutaneous tissue from a remote access point, to surgical methods facilitated by such an apparatus, and to associated tools useful with the apparatus for performing such surgical methods.[0003]Various surgical methods, primarily in the field of plastic surgery, require the placement of a sutur...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019]In use, the exposed distal tip of the tether insertion device normally presents a blunt distal tip, to prevent unwanted trauma including nicking or severing of nerves or blood vessels. Upon advancement of the actuator, against the biasing forces of the spring, the sharp tip of the outer needle is caused to extend beyond the blunt tip of the inner needle, presenting a sharp tip useful for the desired penetration of tissues.

[0029]For example, both the tether insertion device and the suture insertion device employ short, thin (i.e., narrow gage) needles to reduce trauma and scarring of tissues. To this end, the relatively large diameter (e.g., 14 to 16 gage) cannulas which had previously been used for such procedures have been replaced with small diameter (e.g., 18 to 20 gage) needles, resulting in smaller punctures and eliminating the need for incisions, to minimize trauma and to eliminate the scarring of facial tissue.

[0030]Also contributing to this are both the nested needle structure of the tether insertion device, and the manner in which the eyelets of the suture insertion device are associated with the remainder of the apparatus. The nested needle structure minimizes trauma by providing a sharp tip for use when needed, but which otherwise presents a blunt tip for manipulation of the tether insertion device during the penetration of subcutaneous tissue, preventing the severing or nicking of nerves and blood vessels. The eyelets and their supporting subassemblies minimize trauma and prevent scarring by providing structures which can readily be attached to and separated from the remainder of the suture insertion device. This provides enhanced adaptability for accommodating the spacing variations of critical punctures that can be encountered during use, reducing the potential for trauma at the puncture points, and the scarring which could then result from such trauma.

[0031]In addition, use of the zygomatic arch as an anchoring point for a surgical procedure to be performed has been enhanced by improving the manner in which the periosteum is penetrated and engaged to form the desired anchoring point, avoiding the need to undermine surrounding tissues. To this end, a “rung” formation is developed in the periosteum, eliminating the need for the anchoring screws or staples that typically had been used to develop the required anchoring point.

[0032]Coupled with this is the development of a triangular shaped suture sling, and the provision of a temporary adjustment line for use when knotting the suture sling to the attachment point. The triangular shaped suture sling reduces the number of “corners” in the suture sling, in turn reducing the potential for causing unwanted dimples in subcutaneous tissue at the zygomatic arch, which can be seen on the surrounding skin. The temporary adjustment line allows the surgeon to externally manipulate the free ends of the suture sling during “tie off” of the subcutaneously located knot of the suture sling, eliminating excess tension, preventing the knot from unraveling and allowing the knot to be conveniently replaced with a fresh knot, if needed. This then gives the surgeon an improved ability to make final adjustments to the suture sling, or to completely replace the suture if needed.

[0033]The foregoing also eliminates the need for deep anesthesia, which had been associated with earlier procedures, minimizing recovery time and permitting such procedures to be performed in a physician's office with minimal assistance.

Problems solved by technology

This, however, requires extensive surgery, which is expensive and which takes a significant amount of time (e.g., a matter of weeks) to heal.

In practice, however, such barbs have been found to be prone to release after a relatively short period of time (on the order of a few months).

Such devices, however, are bulky mechanisms which, in practice, require considerable separation of the layers of tissue in order to reach the intended location, and are typically prone to the severing of blood vessels and nerves.

Moreover, surgical procedures using such devices are complicated, and typically require the use of an endoscope, adding to the complexity of the desired procedure.

Furthermore, such surgical procedures are highly invasive, time consuming and expensive, and require long recovery times.

However, because the internal side of the tissue typically contains a free medium such as air or a fluid, a suture threaded through the first body can pass through the aperture of the second body and can issue unimpeded into the internal side.

Otherwise, bunching of the tissue will occur, causing an unwanted cosmetic effect.

Otherwise, the suture material will bunch up, and will fail to deploy to an adequate length for capture and extraction at the aperture.

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